Sunday, 2 November, 2025
SENATE COMMITTEE SUMMONS FORMER WEST POKOT GOVERNOR OVER UNPAID LOANSBunge TowerTuesday, 28th October 2025The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds has summoned former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and his deputy Nicholas Atundonyang to explain why they have defaulted on their car and mortgage loans.The committee, chaired by Senator Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), met with current Governor Simon Kachapin to examine the Auditor-General's report on the county's Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund for the 2023/2024 financial year.The audit revealed that 22 borrowers defaulted on loans totaling Kshs. 59,218,843, with eight former county officials who exited service owing Kshs. 55,643,619. Among the defaulters, Mr. Lonyangapuo owes Kshs. 22,482,166 while his former deputy owes Kshs. 23,524,195.Governor Kachapin informed the committee that despite issuing demand letters and threatening ning to pursue legal action, recovery efforts have been largely unsuccessful with the high-profile defaulters."We have made progress recovering from other defaulters, but the former governor and his deputy have refused to service their loans. Even though we are taking legal action, we have little faith in the recovery," Governor Kachapin stated.Senator Raphael Chimera encouraged the governor to remain optimistic about the legal process. "Governor, let the lawyers go to court. Have faith in your lawyers that they can deal with this matter," he said.Senator Osotsi expressed the committee's firm resolve:‘’The committee resolves to summon the former governor to appear before this committee to respond as to why he cannot honor his obligations. He cannot be sitting with such an amount yet the people of West Pokot are in dire need of basic services."The committee will set a date for the former county leaders to appear and account for the outstanding loans.